Darwin Nunez was introduced as a substitute for Uruguay in their 2-2 draw with Cape Verde at the World Cup, with the former Liverpool striker unable to inspire a comeback as transfer return speculation dies down
Stephen Killen Senior Football Writer
03:57, 22 Jun 2026
Uruguay v Cabo Verde: Group H - FIFA World Cup 2026
Darwin Nunez dropped to the bench and came on for Uruguay but they couldn't beat Cape Verde.(Image: Getty)
Former Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez was powerless to rescue Uruguay as they stumbled to a 2-2 stalemate with World Cup minnows Cape Verde. The 26-year-old was omitted from Marcelo Bielsa's starting line-up for the clash, with the South American side looking to recover from their 1-1 deadlock with Saudi Arabia in their tournament opener.
Núñez, who was linked recently to a return to Merseyside, was introduced with 20 minutes remaining as he was charged with leading the Uruguayan frontline and clinching all three points. The Al-Hilal striker looked dangerous and showed promising signs, including a cross that skipper Fede Valverde squandered from point-blank range, on a disappointing night for Uruguay.
They must now secure at least a draw against Spain in their final Group H encounter to maintain any realistic prospect of progressing to the knockout stages. As matters stand, they sit second on two points, tied with Cape Verde who face Saudi Arabia.
However, pressure will mount on the former Leeds United head coach following their struggles against the nation positioned 67th in the FIFA world rankings, with reports suggesting the squad is already fractured. Uruguayan legend and ex-Liverpool striker Luis Suárez watched from the stands and appeared visibly agitated throughout proceedings.
Cameras captured the veteran forward after the final whistle looking distraught, with his country's World Cup dreams hanging by a thread and needing a favourable result against Spain to boost their qualification prospects. Reports emerged last week suggesting that Núñez was set to rejoin Liverpool after the World Cup, as part of the overhaul under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
Uruguay v Cabo Verde: Group H - FIFA World Cup 2026
There was more history for Cape Verde as they twice stunned Uruguay to earn a deserved point.(Image: Getty)
Speculation from South America claimed the 26 year old, who secured the Premier League crown before his high-profile move to Saudi Arabia, had reached an agreement to return to Merseyside - although his immediate attention remained squarely on the World Cup taking place throughout North America.
The excitement around such an extraordinary return has subsequently subsided, with several media outlets dismissing the speculation. On the pitch, Núñez's struggles have continued following a difficult period in the Middle East with Al Hilal, where he was removed from the squad to accommodate Karim Benzema.
The forward's goalless streak for his country extended towards two years, with Núñez last scoring for his nation on 28 June 2024 - finding the target once during their commanding 5-0 thrashing of Bolivia at the Copa America. Against Cape Verde, though, he struggled to make an impact as Uruguay consistently undermined their own efforts.
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They conceded in the opening period when Kevin Pina's distant free-kick caught Fernando Muslera off guard. A swift brace from Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio right before the interval tilted the match back in their direction.
Yet a disastrous defensive blunder from Mathias Olivera proved damaging as Cape Verde equalised. The Napoli defender botched a clearance from their own throw-in, and as Muslera dashed out of his goal to compensate for the mishap, Helio Varela capitalised and converted into an empty net.
During BBC Sport's coverage, ex-Premier League striker Benni McCarthy expressed scepticism about Uruguay's chances against Spain: "You can't (not) want to pick yourself up but in football, anything is possible. They will make themselves believe that they can get a result against Spain, I highly doubt it but what a complete missed opportunity for Uruguay."